Plasma and LCD Displays
Introduced in 1993, plasma monitors offered the visual market a sleek product
with vibrant images and a thin physical form.  The technology quickly developed
as an effective business tool for both public signage and business display
purposes.  Plasma seemed destined to dominate the market until the liquid
crystal display (LCD) emerged as a viable alternative.

LCDs share many of plasma’s attributes such as efficient use of space, versatility
and low operating costs.  But while plasma provides superior color and viewing
angles, it also has the distinct disadvantage of “burn in” which LCDs do not.

Plasma and LCD displays have become more popular as the new generation of flat panel television screens, computer
monitors and digital signage has emerged.  Their sharp quality images and contemporary design have resulted in vastly
increased acceptance.

Plasma and LCD displays have become regular fixtures in airport lobbies to provide arrival and departure information,
shopping malls to promote new products and special offers, and conference rooms where front projection is not always
practical.  Whether displaying regular, advanced or high-definition images, these new displays have become hot commodities
not only for home entertainment, but business applications as well.

Plasma Technology
Plasma displays consist of electrically charged gas, sandwiched in millions of compartments between two panes of
transistor-covered glass.  An electrical charge is applied to the gas resulting in a glow of red, green, or blue.
Compared to conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, plasma displays are about one-tenth the thickness and
one-sixth the weight. Sizes vary between 37" up to 84".  A wide range of resolution choices are available for varied applications.

LCD (liquid crystal display) Technology
LCD displays are composed of liquid crystal suspended between two transparent sheets of polarizing material.  The display is
made up of multiple pixels which are turned on and off by electrical stimulation.  Typically, a light is passed through the liquid
crystal to illuminate its pixels.
                
LCD technology has been used for years in notebook computers and more recently as a space-saving desktop replacement
screen for bulky CRT computer monitors.  The latest LCD monitors are much larger than earlier models, allowing them to climb up
and “meet” their plasma counterparts in size.

Plasma Vs. LCD:
The fundamental difference between plasma and LCD displays is
the manner in which the technology produces images and brightness.
Some of these differences permit one display type a distinct advantage
over the other in specific applications. Some factors to consider are:

  Size:  Plasma averages 40" - 84" while LCD averages 15" - 40".

  Resolution:  LCD normally provides higher resolution since the
     screens are smaller.

  Brightness / Contrast:  Plasma is brighter with better contrast,
     but it reflects more outside light than LCDs.  Some models allow
     filters to be used when helpful.

  Color:  Plasma is more vivid.

  Power Consumption:  Plasma uses 50% more power than LCD.
     For example, a 40" plasma display may consume $100 more than
     an LCD per year. This may not be an issue for an individual display,
     but would certainly be a factor for multiple installations.

  Burn-in:  Plasma may burn pixels (depending on the application,
     images shown, manufacturer and/or model).  LCD does not.

  Viewing angle:  Plasma offers better views from various angles.
     LCD angles are more limited, but are getting better with time.	

  Longevity:  LCDs last 2-3 times longer.

  Prices:  Plasma has been on the market longer and can be up to
     50% less than the same size LCD.